Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to novel pest control compositions and to
a novel method of pest control. Various pest control agents
can be applied, the preferred ones being pl~eromonesand pheromone
inhibitors, specific for the pest to be controlled~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION :
The ecological problemsrelated to the increased use of pesticides
are well known. Contamination of soil and water is widespread.
Toxic residues remaining for shorter or longer periods contaminate
the crops, fruits and livestock, and through these routes endanger
the health of humans,
As more becomes known about the toxicity of various pesticides,
regulation of their use has become more stringent and some products
have been completely banned. Since the use of pest-control materials
is essential in order to protect the crops, many ways have been tried
to improve the efficiency of their use9 thus minimizing the amounts
applied and consequently also decreasing the ecological impact.
The methods used consist mainly in improved application techniques
such as better formulations - using various surfactants, wetting
agents, stickers (adhesives~ etc. or combinations in various forms
and shapes with polymeric and other materials, to increase the
effective duration of activity of pesticide in the field.
For example pesticides have been applied in microcapsules, films,
tapes, hol~ow fibers etc. In all cases the principle being that a
matrix containing the active ingredient is distributed densely and
as uniformly as possible over the crop to be protected.
.~5~22~
Other methods for reducing the amounts of pesticides used consist
of replacing them -at least partially- by biological control
methods. One of these being the use of sex attractants, Pheromones,
and also Pheromone-inhibitors. The theory behind the use of
these materials is that by disrupting the normal mating process
the pest population can be substantially reduced.
?heromones have been used till now mainly in traps, for monitoring
and in a very limited way for population control, the reason being
that these substances which are extremely effective at very low con-
centrations, but also quite unstable under normal weather con-
ditions, and are quickly degraded on exposure.
STATE OF PRIOR ART :
There exist no effective ways for the large scale application of
pheromones in the field. This is probably due to the fact that in
all the methods mentioned above, -microcapsules, tapes, etc.9-
a few gram per acre of the material are used. The wide coverage
results in an intensive exposure to the environment of the Phero-
mone which is then quickly lost by evaporation, U.V. degradation
and hydrolysisO
There exists a number of patents on the slow release of phero
mones, most of them relate to microencapsulation or to mixtures
with various materials to retard release and obtain combined
effects, for instance by including insecticides in the Formulation,
UDS. Patent No. 3952093 (Roelof et al) discloses that pheromone
Formulations may be encapsulated and used in sprayable form.
ZS~29
UOS. Patent No. 3954968 (McKibben) teaches the use of a synthetic
pheromone mixed with polyethyleneglycol or their derivatives.
The formulation may be in the form of tablets or capsules.
U.S. Patents No. 3845108 and U.S. 3852419 (Roelof et al) disclose
the dispersion of pheromones in various diluents, ir,cluding inert
viscous liquids, to reduce their rate of volatilization.
U.S. Patent No. 3966902 (Chromacek~ refers to different slow release
polymer compositions. This patent relates only to insecticides en-
capsulated in the polymer and formulated as sprays. Albrect et al
in U.SO Patent No. 4107318 discloses stable fungicidal dispersions
which include rnineral oils and dispersing agentsO
A system for the controlled delivery of pheromones has been described
(Kydonieous et al, Controlled Release Polymeric Formulations p.285,
American Ohemical Society Symposium~ Series 33~ 1976)- It is called
the Hercon Tape and consists of a three-layer plastic laminate with
the pheromone reservoir in the inner layer~ The use of hollow fibers
for dispensing pheromones has also been described in the same public-
ation (Ashare et al p. 273).
None of the above methods are satisfactory from a practical point
of view. Sprayed formulations of pheromones have a very short effective
lifespan in the field. Tapes and hollow fibers are cumbersome to apply .
Microencapsulation is a relatively expensive process, requiring
special techniques for its production.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
In order to be useful for the protection to large crop areas, a phero-
mone Formulation would have to -Fulfill several conditions:
a) Application should be possible by equipment normally used
in agriculture such as airplanes, tractors, etc.
b) The formulation, once applied, should have a lasting effect in
the field (not less than say two weeks).
The effect of the Pheromones, as that of a number of pesticides, is
due to evaporation of the active material and its arriving via the
air streams to contact with the target insects.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIO OF THE INVENTION :
The invention relates to novel pest control agents and to a novel
method of pest control. The preferred active ingredients used are
pheromones and pheromone inhibitors, although other pest control
agents may also be used.
The novel compositions are based on the active material being
contained in a polymeric matrix adapted to provide for the gradual
and controlled release of the active material, and which is character-
ized in that it provides protection against degradation and deter-
ioration in the field, such as protection against UV and/or oxidation.
The formulations have advantageously adequate adhesive properties to
stick to supports.
The novel compositions can be applied in the form of various systems,
such as solutions, aerosol formulations and the like, the results
being the formation of a plurality of "spots", each of which consists
of the active material in the polymeric matrix, which may contain certain
adjuvants such as UV protective agents, antioxidants, adhesives, etc.
each such "spot" containing (after evaporation of the solvent~ if
present) a minimum quantity of the active material.
~5~
This MinimUnl has been found to be generally not less than about
2 mg per spot, and preferably from 5 to 20 mg of the active
material per spot. The spots are applied in predetermined dis-
tribution over large areas, and disrupt communication between insects
and thus their mating, resulting in a substantial decrease of insect
population. Tests have shown that application of pheromones or pheromone
inhibitors in the field give satisfactory results when the total quan-
tity per 1000 m2 (1 dunam) is from about 2 to 20 9 the preferred range
being about 3 to 10 9/lOOO m2, The active material i5 appl~ied in a
number of discre~e spots, each of which contains advantageously about
5 to 20 mg of the active material, the concentration in the polymeric
matrix being from about 2 to about 20 weight per cent of the active
ingredient. The formulations are such that no substantial degradation
takes place over prolonged periods of time, and that after about 2
weeks there remains about 25 % of the active material in the matrix,
The rate of degradation can be substantially decreased by concentrating
in one spot larger quantities of the pheromoneO (Z) - 9 - Tetradecen -
1 - ol - formate (TOF)~ Heliotis pheromone inhibitor, was formulated
with a copolymer and applied in the form of discrete spots on filter
paper squares (10 x 10 cm) at rates of respectively 2 and 5 mg per spot.
These were exposed to the sun, wind and dew, and the remaining TOF
was determined. Results were as follo~s:
% of initial quantity remaining
after: one day four days
2 mg/spot 43 8.5
5 mg/spot 87 62
Various copolymers can be designed which can protect the pheromones,
or the pheromone inhibitors for long periods of time against the
effects of the weather, allowing these active materials to slowly
~L~ 2~3
escape by diffusion through the polymeric matrix and thus be
effective in the field over a long period of time3 producing
a continuous disruption of the mating process and consequently
a reduction of the insect population. Since the population-
control effect is due to evaporation of the active ingredient
there is in fact no need to spread the formulation finely divided
over a vast area. In fact, we have found that a much better
effect is obtained when the formulation and mode of application are
such that the active spots are concentrated at relatively large
distances from each other.
The insect attractants (Pheromones) and pheromone inhibitors
(disruptants) which can be used in the formulation of this
invention, are of various chemical types. In general they con-
sist of long chain hydrocarbons having one or more double bonds
in various steric configurations. The chain ends either in an
hydroxyl group or an ester group. Other types of these compounds
have a terminal aldelyde groupO Some of these pheromones and
inhibitors are listed below.
~f~
(E ! -7-Dodecen-l-oi
(Z)-8-Dodecen-l-ol
(E)-8-Dodecen-l-ol
(Z)-9-Dodecen~
(E)-9-Dodecen-l-ol
ll-Dodecen-l-ol
(Z,E)-5,7-Dodecadien-l-ol
(E,E)-5,7-Dodecadien-l-ol
(E,E)-8,10 Dodecadien-l-ol
(Z,E)-3,7,11-Trimethyl-2,6,10-dodecatrien-1-ol(Z,E)-farnesol
~E,E)-3,7,11-Trimethyl-2,6,10-dodecatrien-1-ol(E,E)-farnesol
3,7,11-Trimethyl-1,6-10-dodecatrien-3-ol(nerolidol)
(Z)-7-Tetradecen-l-ol
(Z)-8-Tetradecen-l-ol
(Z)-9-Tetradecen-l-ol
(E)-9-Tetradecen-l-ol
(Z)-10-Tetradecen-l-ol
(Z)-ll-Tetradecen-l-ol
(Z,E)-9,12-Tetradecadien-l-ol
(Z)-7-Hexadecen-l-ol
( 7. )-ll-Hexadecen-l-ol
(E)-ll-Hexadecen-l-ol
(E,Z)-10-12-Hexadecadien-l-ol(bombykol)
(E,E)-10,12-Hexadecadien-l-ol
(Z)-14-Methyl-8-hexadecen-1-ol
(E)-14-Methyl-8-hexadecen-1-ol
(Z)-13-Octadecen-1-ol
(Z,Z)-3,13-Octadecadien-l-ol
(E,Z)3,13-Octadecadien-l-ol
3-Methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-ol(seudenol)
cis-2-Isspropenyl-l-methylcyclobutaneethanol(grandlure I)
-- 7 --
~Z?-5-Dodecen-l-ol formate
(Z)-7-Dodecen-l-ol formate
(E)-7-Dodecen-l-ol formate
(Z)-9-Tetradecen-l-ol formate
(Z,E)-9,12-Tetradecadien-l-ol formate
(Z)-ll-Hexadecen-l-ol formate
2,6-Dimethyl-1,5 heptadien-3-ol ace-tate
(Z)-4-Decen-l-ol acetate(Z)-5~eC2n~-1-ol acetate
(E)-5-Decen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-7-Decen-l-ol acetate
3-Methyl-6-(1-methylethenyl)-9-decen-1-ol acetate
(Z)-3-Methyl-6-(1-methylethenyl)3,9-decadien-1-ol acetate
(E)-3,9-Dimethyl-6-(1-methylethenyl)-5,8-decadien-1-ol acetate
(Z)-7-Undecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-8-Undecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-5-Dodecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-5-Dodecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-7-Dodecen-l-ol acetate(E)-7-d~decen-1-ol acetate
(Z)-8-Dodecen-l-ol acetate
(E)-8-Dodecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-9-Dodecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-9,11-Dodecadien-l-ol acetate
- (E)-9,11-Dodecadien-l-ol acetate
(Z)-7-Tridecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-8-Tridecen-l-ol acetate
(E)-8-Tridecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-lO-Tridecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-ll-Tridecen-l-ol acetate
(E)-ll-Iridecen-l-ol acetate
(E,Z)-4,7-Tridecadien-l-ol acetate
--8--
z~
(E,Z,Z)-4,7,10-Tridecadien-l-ol acetate
(Z)-ll-Methyl-9,12-tridecadien-1 ol acetate
(Z)-5-Tetradecen-l-ol acetate
(E)-6-Tetradecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-7-Tetradecen-l-ol acetate
(E)-7-Tetradecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-8-Tetradecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-9-Tetradecen-l-ol acetate
(E)-9-Tetradecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-10-Tetradecen-l-ol acetate
(E)-10-Tetradecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-ll-Tetradecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-12-Tetradecen-l-ol acetate
(E)-12-Te-tradecen-l-ol acetate
(Z,Z)-3,5-Tetradecadien-l-ol acetate
(Z,E)-3,5-Tetradecadien-l-ol acetate
(E,E)-3,5-Tetradecadien-l-ol acetate
(Z,E)-9,11-Te-tradecadien-l- ol acetate
- (E,E)-9,11-Tetradecadien-l-ol acetate
(E,E)-9,11-Tetradecadien-l-ol acetate
(Z,E)-9,12-Te-tradecadien-l-ol acetate
(Z)-12-Pentadecen-l-ol acetate
(E)-12-Pentadecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-7-Hexadecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-9-Hexadecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-10-Hexadecen-l-ol acetate
(Z)-ll-Hexadecen-l-ol acetate(E)-ll~ exadecen-l-ol acetate
(E,Z)-6,11-Hexadecadien-l-ol acetate
(Z,Z)-7,11-Hexadecadien-l- ol acetate
~Z,E)-7,11-Hexadecadien-l-ol acetate
(E,Z)-7,11-Hexadecadien-l-ol acetate
(E,E)-7,11-Hexadecadien-l-ol acetate
(Z,E)-11,14-llexadecadien-1-ol acetate
(Z)-13-Octadecen-l-ol acetate
(Zm)-3,13-Octadecadien-l-ol acetate
(Z,E)-3,13-Octadecadien-l-ol acetate
(E,Z)-3,13-Octadecadien-l-ol acetate .-
(E,E)-3,13-Octadien-l-ol acetate
3-Methylene-7-methyl-7-octen-1-ol propanoate
(Z)-3,7-Dimethyl-2,7-octadien-1-ol propanoate
(Z)-3,9-Dimethyl-6-(1-methyleyhenyl)-3,9-decadien-1-ol propanoate
(E,E)-3,10 Dodecadien-l-ol propanoate
(Z,E)-9,12-Tetradecadien-l-ol propanoate
(Z)-9-Hexadecen-l-ol propanoate
2,4-Hexadienyl butanoate
(Z)-5-Decenyl 3-methylbutanoate
l-Methylethyl (Z)-9-dodecenoate
l-Methylethyl (Z)9tetradecenoate
Methyl (Z,Z)-3,5-tetradecadienoate
Methyl(Z)-hexadecenoate
l-Methylethyl (Z)-9-hexadecenoate
Methyl (Z)-14-methyl-8-hexadecenoate
Methyl (E)-14-methyl-8-hexadecenoate
l-Methylethyl (Z)-9-octadecenoate
(Z)-9-Hexadecenyl (Z)-9-octadecenoate
-- 10 ~
æ~s
(E)-3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadienal geranial
(Z)-3,7-Dimethyl-1,6-octadienal(neral)
(Z)-7-Dodecenal
(Z)-9-Dodecenal
Tetradecanal
(Z)-5-Tetradecanal
- (Z)-7-Tetradecenal
(Z)-9-Tetradecenal
(Z)-ll-Tetradecenal
(Z)-ll-Tetradecenal
(E)-ll-Tetradecenal
(E)-ll-Hexadecenal
(Z)-12-Hexadecenal
(Z)-13 Hexadecenal
(E,Z,)6,13-Hexadecadienal
(E,Z)10,12-Hexadecadienal(bombykal)
(E,E)-10,12-Hexadecadienal
(Z,Z)-11,13-HexadPcadienal
(Z)-14-Methyl-8-hexadecenal
S-(Z) -14-Methyl-8-hexadecenal
(E)-14-Methyl-8-hexàdeeenal
S-(E) -14-Methyl-8-hexadecenal
R-(E)-14-Methyl-8-hexadecenal
(Z)-ll-Oetadecenal
(Z)-13-Oetadecenal
(E)-13-Octadecenal
(Z)-3,3-Dimetllyl-A ~1 ~-cyclohexaneacetaldehyde(Grandlure III)
(E)-3,3-Dirlethyl-A Al ~-cyclohexaneacetaldehyde(Grandlure IV)
1 1
~LZ~ Z~
The following is a list of some of the insects which can be con-
trolled by the materials of this invention :
Alfalfa looper Introduced pine sawfly
American cockroach Mediterranean fruit fly
Banded cucumber beetle Nun moth
Boll weevil Oriental fruit moth
Bollworm Pink bollworm
Bronze orange bug Queen butterfly
Cabbage looper Red-pine scale
California red scale Screw-worm
Codling moth Silkworm
Cotton leafworm Sod webworms
Cynthia rmoth Stable fly
Face -fly Sugar-beet wireworm
Giant water bug Tobacco budworm
Grayling butterfly Tobacco hornworm
Greater wax moth Yellow mealworm
Gypsy moth Yellow-striped armyworm
Honey bee Virginia-pine sawfly
House fly
2~
The polyr,lers which can be used for this type of application advant-
ageously fulfill the follo~ing conditions:
a) Provide sood protection against U.~/. degradation and hydrolysis;
b) allow for diffusion at the desired rate;
c) are non-toxic to warm-blooded animals;
d) are not phytotoxic;
e) are water-resistant.
The monomers which can be used for making such polymers are com-
mercially available. There may be used esters of acrylic acid, ei me-
thacrylic acid, vinyl acetate, vinyl pyrrolidone, styrene, etc.
The rnethod of application consists in applying the active formulationin the form of discrete spots having a relatively high content of
pheromone or pheromone inhibitor ~ The diluent can serve as part of the
propellAnts use;-i For the dispersion of the materialO
The preferred method used is to prepare the copolymers in solution,
using a suitable volatile organic solvent, the pre-ferred monorners
being vinyl pyrrolidone9 methyl methacrylate and a higher alkyl metha-
crylate such as lauryl inethacrylate. Each one of these monomersfulfills a specific function. The vinyl pyrrolidone constitutes the
20 hydrophilic part of the polymer, improves adhesion and acts as a
plasticizer (by water absorption) to facilitate film-forming on
the leaves. Methyl methacrylate has good resistance to U.V. and
weathering. Lauryl methacrylate is a high1y hydrophobic material and it
~lso improves the film-forming properties of the composition.
The properties of the copolymer can be adapted to the particular
conditions of use by changing the proportions of the comononlers
as is well known in the art.
The preferred method of application is by preparing a concentrated
solution containing polymer, the pheromone or pheromone inhibitor
and additives, and spraying this so~ution in the form of larye globules
or spots by means oF suit~ble means. Compressed gases,low~boi~ing
liquids and other propellants can be used.
1 ~
The preferred lllonolllers and proportions -thereo-f are: methyl macrylate,
30-60'`'" lauryl methacryla-te, 15-30%, vinyl pyrrolidone, 15-30%.
The most preferred range being: methyl methacrylate 50-60%, lauryl
methacryla-te, 15-20%, and vinyl pyrrolidone 20-25%.
The monomers can be used in various combinations and proportions
in order to obtain the required solubilization, diffusion and ad-
hesion characteristics. Polymerization can be effected using the
methods well known in the art such as bulk7 emulsion, suspension,
or solution polymerization.
0 As polymerization catalysts, peroxides, diazo compounds and similar
materials well known in the art can be usedO Various additives,
such as antioxidants, U.V.absorbers, adhesives,etcO, can also be
incorporated in the formulations.
- 14 -
æ~
The solven'c used should have a low boiling point and be non-
reactive with the active material and rnay be chosen amonast others
from the following types:
i~ycirocarbons: such as lower alkanes, petroleum ethers, etcO;
benzene, chlorinated hydrocarbons, dichloroMethane, dicl~loroethane,
chlorofornl, etc.~ ketones, such as acetone; methyl ethyl ketone;
alcohols.
The preferreu solvents are low boiling chlorinated alkanes.
's propellants there can be used halogenated hydrocarbons, low
boiling hydrocarbons (propane, butane), carbon dioxide, nitrogen
or compresseci air.
The followinc examples are not to be construed in a limiting sense,
but are merely illustrative of the present invention. All parts are
by weigilt-percent.
Example I
A copolymer of iiiethyl Methacrylate (50) Lauryl Methacrylate (20)
was prepared by suspension polymerization in water (120) using poly-
~inylalcohol (0.3) as the suspension agent and a redox catalyst com-
posed of sodium metabisulfite and potassium persulfate.
The resultina precipitate was dried. It had a glass transition tem-
perature (tg calculated) of 39C.
25 g. of the above polymer were dissolved in 225 g. acetone, to this
was added 1 g. of the ~leliotis pheromone inhibitor tetradecenol formate
(TOF) and 25 g. Aerosil 200 (fumed silica).
Samples of the above formulation were applied to filter-paper strips
in 3 to 5 mg active material spots and showed good stability to evaporation:
after 26 days at room temperature, 48~7% of the original inhibitor was
still present.
- 15 -
~z~ z~
Example 2:
h solution poly~er was prepared composed of vinyl pyrrolidone (25)
lauryl metllacrylate (15) methyl methacrylate (60)~ The solvent used
was isopropanol and the catalyst bis-azoisobutyronitrileO -
The resulting solution was dried. 10 g of the above polymer were
dissolved in 20 g.dichloroethane~ Added 538 mg Tetradecenol formate,
215 rng~ butylated hydroxyanisole and 21 9, cyanosorb (U.~. absorber) .
A sample of the above formulation when exposed to the weather for
96 nours retained 71% of its initial active contentO
Example 3:
A copoly,nler as per example 2 was used.
240 9. of the polymer were dissolved in 480 9. Dichloromethane and
added to this solution 50 g. tetradecenol formate.
100 9. of -the above Mixture were put in an aerosol can, closed with
a spray valve and pressurized with carbon dioxide to a pressure of
6 atrnospheres.
Spots of this formulation were applied by spraying on filter paper
strips. l~!hen these were exposed to the weather for 60 hours they still
retained 43% of the original active ingredient content. When applied
-to a cotton field this formulation disrupted insect cornmunication for
rnore than 17 days as des~ribed below~
- 16 -
~C~32Z~
A field trial was made on a field of co-tton in-fested with Helio-tis and
irrigdted by Jspersion on a 10 days cycle.
The formulatior1 was applied to the plants at the rate of 5 9. of
active ingredient per 1000 m2. Around the treated field were located
traps loaded with synthetic Heliotis pheromone. Disruption was in-
dicated by -the relationship between the number of insects trapped in
the treated area and the number of insects trapped in the non-treated
area. On the 16th day after treatment there was still a 96% disruption
in the treated area.
In another trial on a cotton field (2 acres) infested by Heliotis zea
and Heliotis Virescens, 800 9. of the above formulation were applied
at the rate of about 160 point sources per acre. Trapping and mating
reduction were observed. Thus, in Heliotis zea, 16 days after applic-
dtion there was still a 97% reduction in -trapped insects (as compared
-to the untreated field) and a 100% reduction in mating. In Heliotis
Virescens the comparative figures were 70% and 100% respectively.
Example 4_
The pheromone inhibitor cis- 9- Tetradecenyl acetate (cis-9-TDA) was
used as the active ingredient. A number of polymers were used in con-
junction with this material. Tests showed results as follows:
_ ymer Outdoors exposure % remaining of
time (hours) original con-tent
Polystyrene 144 26
Poly (Lauryl Methacrylate 17 40
Poly (Styrene-Lauryl Metha-
crylate, 85/15 42 0
Poly (Styrene-Lauryl Methacrylate
85/15) with an-tioxidant 2-5-
diterbutyl hydroquinone 48 11
_._ _ _ _ _ _
~;~S~ ffl
Example 5:
A solution polymer was made composed of Vinyl~pyrrolidone (25),
1aurYl msthacrylate (I5) and methyl methacrylate (60). The sol-
vent used was dichloromethane.
The solution was diluted to a solids content of 33%. To 3.6 g
of this solution were added 0.25 gr of (Z-Z) 7,11-Hexadien-l-ol
acetate.
200 mg of this solution were appli~ed to filter paper strips and
these were put on a roof fully exposed to the weather. As a con-
trol a similar formulation was prepared but without polymer. Re-
sults obtained were as follows (in % of remaining active substance)
~,
Day without polymer
0 100
1 49.6
3 0
0
8 0
with polymer
o 100
20 2 67
47
8 35.8
Example 6:
~Z,E)-9,11-tetradecanienyl acetate was formulated with the polyme
tion ~s de~ined in example 5 and subjected to the same test. Re-
sults were as followso
without pol~mer with polymer
O 100 100 /
2 2.2 75
- 50
8 - 12.5
- 18 -
~LfZ5~9
Example 7:
Two preparations were made, sim~ar to that of example 5 but using
as active ingredient Z-ll-He~adecenal, one o~ these conta~.nsd also
0,04% Cyanosorb-UV5411.(American Cyanide), Results after
exposure to weather were as fo_lows:
Day without polymer with polymer with polymer ~ Cyanosorb
O 100 100 100'
1 9~5
3 0 21.2 72
- 5.7 44.8
Various other pherornones and pheromone inhibitors gave good results.
The "spots" of active material in the polymer rnatrix (with re-
quired adjuvants or additives) were applied at a rate of about
3 to 20 9/ 1000 m in the open field (by distributing paper or
other carrier sheets with "Spo~s" or by applying such "spots" to
natural carriers in the field. Disruption of insect communication
was achieved over periods exceeding 2 weeks when spots of about
5 ms active material per spot were used.
In one experiment about 30 spots were used per 1000 ~n2 and good
2n results were obtained. The active ma~erial comprises generally
about 2 to 20 weight per cent of the matrix.
The novel composition can also be applied in the form of globules
or the like consisting o-F the active material in the ,natrix,
and -these can be easily distributed over large areasO
Many variations and modifications can be resorted to without
departing from the scope of the invention.
1 9
~;~s~
The polymers which can be used for thl~ typ~ o~ application advan-
tageously ful~lll the follow~n~ condltlons:
a) Provlde good p~otectlon agalnst U.V. degradation and hydrolysls;
b) allow for dlfrus~on~at the deslred rate;
c~ ~re non-toxlc to warm-blooded anlmals;
d) are not phytotoxlc;
e) ar~ water-re~lstant.
Tha monomerB whlch can b~ uaed tor maklng auch polyme~s aro commer-
clally available. ~hore may b~ used 03t~r8 ot acryl~c-ac~d, o~
methacryllc acid,.viny~.~cetata, ~inyl pyrrolldone, ~tyrena, etc
Tho monom3rq ca~ b0 u3ed.1n vaniou~ combinatlons and proport~ons
ln order to obtain tho r.~qulr~d ~olubllizatlon, dirruslon and ad-
heslon characteristlc~. Pol~merlzatlon can be efrected using the
methods well known in tho art such a3 bulk, emulsion, 8Uspenglon~
or solutlon polymerizatlon.
A~ polymerizatlon cataly~t~, p3roxldes~ dlazo compounds and ffimilar
materlal~ well known ln cha art can.b~ u~ed Var~ou8 nddltion~
such a3 antioxldant~, U ~. absorbers, adhesives, ete., can al~o
be lncorporatad ln ths ~ormulation~ D
-- 20 -
